Ian Grant

Senior New Zealander of the Year

2013

Ryman Healthcare

Senior New Zealander of the Year

Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau

Ian Grant

Ian Grant is a renowned New Zealand parenting expert, author, and communicator who, alongside his wife Mary, founded The Parenting Place (formerly Parents Inc.) in 1993. Their mission was to strengthen families through seminars, coaching, and resources that promote confident, connected parenting. Ian has authored several bestselling books, including Growing Great Boys and Fathers Who Dare Win, and was named Senior New Zealander of the Year in 2013 for his contributions to family life and youth development. Even after retiring from active leadership, Ian continues to advocate for fatherhood and family wellbeing through writing, speaking, and mentoring.

This award honours New Zealanders aged 70+ who continue to shape Aotearoa through wisdom, action, and care. Far from winding down, they are still building legacies – using their experience to lead, serve, and make lasting impact.

Nominees of this Award must:

Be over the age of 70, at the open of nominations in July.
Have had significant impact in their senior years.
Be a role model for New Zealanders and highlight that change is possible at any age.
Meet Awards Conditions of Entry.

Award Criteria

Judges will review each nominee using the following criteria:

10 points: OVERALL INSPIRATION:
Describe the person you are nominating and what they’ve done later in life to inspire you to nominate them as the Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātāpuputu o te Tau.
10 points: PURPOSE:
Who benefits from the work, contribution, or influence of this person – and how?
10 points: LEADERSHIP & SERVICE:
How does this person set a positive example of being a senior member of the community – showing potential for making change at any age.
10 points: COMMITMENT:
Describe the commitment of time, risks, and challenges overcome to create an impact to this point (this may still be ongoing). What have they done that has gone above and beyond following their career, achievements, or service to create change and give back?
10 points: PROVEN IMPACT:
How has this person clearly demonstrated a positive impact in their area of influence, particularly during their senior years? How has this been measured?
10 points: LEGACY
How would winning this award impact this person’s legacy and their mahi (past or present)?